WA senators unveil new 5B plan to fund culvert removals

Washington state senators have proposed a robust plan to raise $5 billion over the next 15 years for the removal of culverts that impede fish migration, particularly salmon. This initiative is part of the Senate's capital budget and is designed to repay the debt through an existing tax on electrical utilities. The need for this funding arises from a federal court ruling in 2013, which determined that the state had violated the treaty fishing rights of local tribes. Despite the ambitious goal of restoring 90% of the blocked habitat by 2030, state officials have acknowledged challenges, including rising project costs and the discovery of more culverts than initially anticipated. One particularly scrutinized project could cost around $100 million, involving the potential purchase of a motel in Port Angeles.

The state is currently engaged in mediation with tribes to explore alternative solutions, as the urgency to meet these obligations grows. Interestingly, the Senate's transportation budget, which also addresses culvert issues, aims to expedite permit reviews for removals. Overall, this funding strategy marks a significant shift in how the state plans to address fish habitat restoration amid ongoing financial challenges.